Top turkey: Haigh teacher wins annual Thanksgiving honor

Haigh’s School’s “Turkey Teacher,” Carrie Boyce, was all smiles as she modeled her turkey hat, presented by members of the school’s Student Council on Nov. 20. (April Guilmet Photo)

SALEM – The spirit of Thanksgiving was alive and well at Walter Haigh Elementary School this month, as members of the Student Council gobbled their way down the hallways to crown the school’s latest “Turkey Teacher.”

From Nov. 13 through Nov. 19, the group of fourth- and fifth-graders called on their peers to purchase 25-cent “turkey feathers” for placement on cardboard turkeys outside each teacher’s classroom door.

By Nov. 20, it was clear that the top “Turkey Teacher” was none other than fifth-grade teacher Carrie Boyce, whose turkey boasted well over 125 construction-paper feathers.

Boyce was all smiles as she was presented with a turkey hat, which she wore proudly throughout the school day.

Guidance counselor Amy Lee Patenaude, who serves as a student council adviser, said the Thanksgiving week tradition has proven popular over the past several years, with proceeds from the fundraiser traditionally given to a charity of the students’ choice.

This year, the money will go toward Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

With many quarters yet to be counted, it’s not clear yet just how much this year’s Turkey Teacher event raised, but judging by the high level of participation, Patenaude said the students would likely be donating several hundred dollars to charity.